NFL.com and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday the organization is bracing itself for a serious injury to the quarterback's right shoulder, according to someone briefed on the situation. The team is awaiting Tuesday's MRI results.

Coaches haven't been informed about Big Ben's status for Sunday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens, but the expectation is that backup Byron Leftwich will possibly start Sunday night and could be in line to play multiple games, Rapoport reported.

A team source told Breer coaches were told it "might be tough this week" for Roethlisberger to play, but even that is "not for sure." Until doctors give the word, even Roethlisberger is unclear about his status for Baltimore.

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The 6-3 Steelers sit one game behind the 7-2 Ravens in the AFC North. Monday night's injury to Roethlisberger could shake up that race considerably. Without their elite quarterback under center, this isn't remotely the same offense in Pittsburgh.